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Insurability of Cyber Risk: An Empirical Analysis†

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Biener

    (The Institute of Insurance Economics at the University of St. Gallen, Kirchlistrasse 2, St. Gallen 9010, Switzerland. E-mails: christian.biener@unisg.ch; martin.eling@unisg.ch; jan.wirfs@unisg.ch)

  • Martin Eling

    (The Institute of Insurance Economics at the University of St. Gallen, Kirchlistrasse 2, St. Gallen 9010, Switzerland. E-mails: christian.biener@unisg.ch; martin.eling@unisg.ch; jan.wirfs@unisg.ch)

  • Jan Hendrik Wirfs

    (The Institute of Insurance Economics at the University of St. Gallen, Kirchlistrasse 2, St. Gallen 9010, Switzerland. E-mails: christian.biener@unisg.ch; martin.eling@unisg.ch; jan.wirfs@unisg.ch)

Abstract

This paper discusses the adequacy of insurance for managing cyber risk. To this end, we extract 994 cases of cyber losses from an operational risk database and analyse their statistical properties. Based on the empirical results and recent literature, we investigate the insurability of cyber risk by systematically reviewing the set of criteria introduced by Berliner (1982). Our findings emphasise the distinct characteristics of cyber risks compared with other operational risks and bring to light significant problems resulting from highly interrelated losses, lack of data and severe information asymmetries. These problems hinder the development of a sustainable cyber insurance market. We finish by discussing how cyber risk exposure may be better managed and make several suggestions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Biener & Martin Eling & Jan Hendrik Wirfs, 2015. "Insurability of Cyber Risk: An Empirical Analysis†," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 40(1), pages 131-158, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:gpprii:v:40:y:2015:i:1:p:131-158
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